Today was your baptism, and it was so special to have family and friends there to support you. You wore a baptism gown that is at least 70 years old; your papa wore it as did your Uncle Kyle, cousin Kyle and myself. Uncle Brett didn’t get to wear it because he was born while papa was in Vietnam, and by the time papa got back, Brett no longer fit in it. It is a very special gown and I was so happy you fit in it and were able to wear it. You also wore a cute handkerchief bonnet and you were just so cute. You did pretty good at the beginning of the service, and luckily the baptism was scheduled early on. I was wondering how you’d react to the pastor pouring the water on your head, but you didn’t really respond at all to it. After the baptism you got fussy (the organ was really loud, so I blame it at least partially on that) so you and I left and went to the nursery. You had fun playing in there for a bit, then your aunt Jen came and got you. She of course worked her baby whisperer magic and you fell right asleep. After the service we took lots of pictures; you slept through it all.

Awake, smiley, and ready for the baptism

Your Godparents

The Kandt Family

The Stephans Family

Time for a snooze after the baptism

Afterward Brett and Jen hosted a wonderful reception for you at their house. The food and drinks were great and it was so nice to be able to hang out with all of our family and friends; it just felt so neat to have everyone there to show their love and support for you. You received lots of nice books and such a beautiful, handmade quilt from Jen. It is something you will have and cherish forever.

Playing with grandma at the reception

The three of us

Everyone who wore the baptism gown

Your post-baptism party dress

Loving the amazing quilt from aunt Jen

This morning your grandpa and grandma were busy getting ready for the Marla Bay BBQ, but your grandma wanted to introduce you to some of her friends while everyone was outdoors getting ready for the event. So she took you for about an hour which enabled your dad and I to get packed up and ready for the day. Then we headed to Reno where we ran some errands to get items for your baptism party tomorrow and then went and hung out with uncle Brett and cousin Kyle. We played outside for a bit but it quickly got too hot and we all retreated inside. Soon your aunt Jen and nana got home too and we all chatted. You got tired and we put you down on the bed. After awhile your dad and I needed to leave to meet Chris and Christina for dinner, and Jen offered to keep an eye on you since you were still sleeping. We were excited for a night out, and for you to be sleeping so well, and Jen was more than happy to get to watch you. At dinner we kept checking our phones thinking that Jen would be calling to tell us you were awake, but you slept through the entire dinner – sleepy baby.

Examining cousin Kyle’s new golf clubs

Fun times with nana and Kyle

Today we spent another nice day on the beach. Your uncle Kyle and Joy drove up to join us, and we all had a relaxing day playing on the kayaks and resting with you on the beach.

You and your dad having deep conversations at the beach

Your dad cooked a nice dinner for everyone, and we all enjoyed hanging out on the deck. Your uncle Kyle had lots of fun playing with you, and you had lots of fun trying to get your head into his wine glass.

Lots of fun with your uncle Kyle

Trying to get your head in the glass (or the wine in your mouth?)

Frustration

But shortly thereafter you got really fussy (maybe you were still upset about not being able to conquer the wine glass?). Yesterday and today your nose has been a bit congested and you’ve had a little bit of a cough and some sneezes. We’re not sure if it’s allergies or if you’re getting a cold, but you’ve never had these symptoms before. We hope you’re not getting sick. We walked you around the neighborhood for a bit and that did the trick and you fell asleep. I hope you feel better tomorrow!

Today we had a nice day relaxing on the beach. Your dad and I got to sail a bit, but mostly we just enjoyed lounging around with you.

Posing on the Beach

Relaxing with dad at Marla Bay

Our little family on the beach

This afternoon we headed down to the Carson Valley, where your dad grew up. We ate at the JT, a fun Basque restaurant and bar known for its good food, strong Picon drinks, and interesting characters and decor. Your dad’s grandpa even has his cowboy hat hung on the wall there! You fit right in; you had no clothes on! When we were at the lake we gave you a bath and you got really fussy while we were getting you dressed, so we decided to give up on the task for the time being and we stuck you in your carseat and headed down to the valley. We figured you’d wake up before dinner and we’d get you dressed then. But you didn’t wake up! Finally we decided we needed to head to dinner before it got to late, and you slept through the entire dinner.

Naked dining at the JT

After dinner, once you finally woke up and had some clothes on, you played on a little rocking horse at your grandparent’s house. Your dad had to hold you, but someday soon it’ll be just the right size for it. You seemed mildly interested in it and I think you were mostly trying to keep your balance while it was moving back and forth.

Riding the pony

Today is your five month birthday, and you welcomed the day by sleeping eight hours straight! Your dad and I couldn’t believe it; this is the most consecutive sleep we’ve had in exactly five months. We’re literally astonished at how great you’re sleeping here. We did a lot of research trying to figure out where to put you to sleep at night. A lot of people recommend a pack-n-play, but we just couldn’t fathom bringing one camping. We ended up buying a Phil and Ted’s travel nest and putting it between us, and it was perfect. Your dad and I have been joking that maybe we need to set up the tent at home and start sleeping in it.

We also struggled with what to dress you in at night since the temperatures were going to be in the forties. We put a onesie on you, then a footed onesie over that, and finally put you in a fleece sleep sack. We topped it all off with a little cotton cap on your head. Apparently it was the perfect ensemble.

Your sleep ensemble

All bundled up and enjoying the view from the tent while your dad and I pack up

Today we packed up and headed out of the camp. I boated out and your dad hiked out with you and met me at Baldwin Beach. Then we headed over to your grandma and grandpa Stephan’s cabin in Marla Bay. We put you in your patriotic swimsuit and walked down to the beach. You were irresistibly, impossibly cute. People couldn’t contain their amusement at seeing you in your outfit, and so we had lots of people stopping to chat and look at you.

Fourth of July, Five Month Old Beach Baby

We came back to the cabin and your father helped me with the requisite ‘birthday’ photo shoot. You were holding a little flag and you had a tutu on, and seemed to be having the time of your life rolling around and waving the flag.

Five months old

So much fun with the flag

Can’t keep still

One more picture, too cute to resist

Tonight I was tired from the kayak trip out and the day in the sun, and I thought going to bed early sounded infinitely better than watching fireworks, so I stayed with you and we went to bed. Your first firework viewing will have to wait for next year.

You had another great night of sleep last night and today we hiked to Vikingsholm. Everyone went and toured the house but we opted to hike around the area since we toured it just last year. We hiked for an hour and you seemed to enjoy it, constantly looking around taking in the sites and sounds. We’re so happy that you’re loving the outdoors like we do.

All bundled up for the morning hike to Vikingsholm

Eagle Falls

Hanging out with Nana and Joy at Vikingsholm after the hike to Eagle Falls

Napping on the beach after the hike

The Kandt Family (and two Stephans)

All bundled up for nighttime around the campfire

We had a little bit of trepidation about camping with you. We wondered how’d you do outdoors for days on end, if it’d be too cold at night, how you’d sleep, and whether it’d just be too hard getting all of your gear in to the campsite. Before we went we did a lot of research about camping with a little one and we even tried to solicit advice from others who had camped. People seemed to fall into two camps (ha!): either they camped with a little one and it went well and they’ve been camping as a family ever since, or they wouldn’t even consider trying camping with a small child. The latter group of people had so many fears about camping and such strong opinions against it that they made me question our decision to camp with you. But I’m so glad we gave it a go!

You did great last night. You haven’t had a very predictable or good sleep routine ever since we’ve been back from HI, and you haven’t been sleeping that consistently recently. But last night you did great. You went down easily, woke once in the middle of the night for a feeding, and went right back to sleep. You woke in the morning for a feeding at your normal time, then we all snuggled and went back to sleep for another hour. It was wonderful and I’m so excited that we’re able to introduce you to this experience so early.

Today we boated (you did not) and lounged on the beach.

Relaxing on the beach with Sophie

There’s no shortage of hands wanting to hold you.

Playing with Uncle Kyle

You and papa – you’re in your outfit from cousin Kyle and Sandy. I love this picture.

Aunt Jen held you and dipped your tiny feet into Lake Tahoe. You seemed curious and interested, picking up and moving your feet about. After a couple of minutes you expressed your displeasure at the activity, letting us know you’d had enough of the cold water. You lasted longer than I thought you would. The water is COLD this year. Last year your uncles and I (and you in my belly!) swam out to the island every day. We all did it today and I think it is the coldest I’ve ever been in water. Brett said it was 55 degrees out. It was craziness. I won’t be doing that swim any more this week.

First dip in Lake Tahoe

Curious about the water and sand

And we discovered that your aunt has a special touch with you; she is great at calming you down and getting you to sleep. We’ve started calling her the baby whisperer, and our never-ending quest to get them to move to CO has just increased in urgency.

Playing (before the baby whisperer action)

You and Jen (after the baby whisperer magic)

Last night we stayed with your dad’s cousin, Chris, and one of my best friends, Christina. It is so neat that a good friend of mind married a cousin of Jeff’s, and it’s been fun that we’re all now related. They have a little girl, Avery, and another baby is on the way. I looked up the relation before, but I think you and Avery (and the new baby) are second cousins. Anyway, they were all so excited to meet you, and Avery was so cute with you. She’s going to be a great big sister.

You and Avery having a first look at each other

This afternoon we loaded up the boats and kayaked into the Emerald Bay Boater’s Camp. Your nana and papa hiked down with you and you slept the whole way. We’re excited for our first camping adventure with you!

Your dad and cousin Chris hanging out at Emerald Bay

Today we flew to Reno and you got to meet your uncle Brett, aunt Jen, and cousin Kyle. Your uncle picked us up at the airport and ran from the car to meet us. I knew he wasn’t running to see your father or me; he couldn’t wait to get his first glimpse of you. Kyle was there also and just couldn’t wait to see you. He sat in the back with you and just watched you all the way to their house.

On the plane and ready for your second trip

Once we arrived at Brett and Jen’s house Jen came out to meet you. They have been anxiously awaiting meeting you. We all went inside and everyone got to hold you and look at you. Your cousin had a bag of gifts for you that he could not wait to give you. He and Sandy, Jen’s mom, picked out a bunch of cute clothes and even a pair of shoes for you. They all love you so much already; they’ve loved your for months, even before they met you.

Aunt Jen meeting you for the first time

Cousins – the first time you met. You’re eating one of the shoes Kyle gave you.

The first time Uncle Brett held you

After work today we decided to head to the Sun for dinner and drinks. I held you while I was eating, and you kept eyeing my pickle and trying to grab it; you were very persistent with trying to get your little hands on it. Your dad and I decided that a pickle couldn’t do much harm, and that in fact it’d probably feel good on your gums. So we decided to let you try it. Thus, your first taste of anything other than milk was a pickle! You made a curious face at first and pulled it away and examined it, but you stuck it right back in your mouth. I think you’re a fan!

Trying the pickle

Wondering about the taste

Examining the pickle before sticking it in again for another taste